Lot 196a, Auction 4/3/2026: Superb Peruvian Sterling Silver Turkey Sahumador Vessel

$2,600.00

In stock

South America, Peru, ca. 19th century CE. A silver sahumador incense burner formed as a turkey with a rounded body raised on slender legs above a shallow dish base. The domed body opens on a hinge, revealing a hollow interior, while the spread wings and fan-shaped tail are detailed with engraved feather patterns. The surface is worked with scrolling and textured motifs that enhance the naturalistic form. A sahumador is a ceremonial incense burner used in Indigenous traditions for purification, rituals, and offerings, typically holding copal or other resins. During the colonial period, animal-form sahumadores became popular among elites, serving both functional and decorative purposes. In Peru, these silver examples reflect a long history of colonial-era metalwork tied to the region’s rich mining industry. Size: 7.5″ W x 8.5″ H (19 cm x 21.6 cm); silver quality: 92%; weight: 997 grams

Condition: Great condition with surface wear consistent with age and use. Minor dents and light abrasions visible to the body and dish, along with areas of patina. The hinged lid functions properly, and the form remains stable.

Provenance: private collection of S. Saunders, Nogales, Arizona, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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